The objective of this PhD project is to apply and develop synthetic biology and evolution-based approaches to design novel light-driven enzymes for sustainable biocatalysis based on photosystem I.
Photosystems are nature’s own solar cells used in the photochemical energy conversion process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis uses two types of photosystems: photosystem II and photosystem I. The former converts light into the oxidative power needed to decompose water into electrons, protons and oxygen. In contrast, the latter converts light into the reductive power needed to drive metabolic reactions, beginning with carbon dioxide fixation. Photosystem I is one of the most powerful and efficient enzymes in all biology, and we wish to harness it for new applications.
In the Molecular Evolution Lab at QMUL, led by Dr. Tanai Cardona, we have developed novel photosystem I complexes that are fused with reductive enzymes. Namely, a cytochrome P450 and a reductive dehalogenase, enzymes of importance to produce high-value compounds or to degrade polluting compounds, respectively. We have already begun characterising these chimeras. During your PhD, you will have the opportunity to design new photosystem I fused to other reductive enzymes. You will also work on redesigning or applying directed evolution to our available chimeras to improve their function. In addition, you will characterise these new photosystems using a range of biochemical and biophysical methods.
This is an interdisciplinary project that combines microbiology, synthetic biology, chemical biology, biochemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, structural and evolutionary biology, bridging both fundamental and applied bioscience.
You will join the Molecular Evolution Lab, a diverse and supportive research group including researchers from all corners of the world and all walks of life. We’re interested in the evolution of photosynthesis and harnessing evolution to evolve new forms of photosynthesis that are new to nature. Our work and expertise are highly interdisciplinary, and you will have an opportunity to be trained on methods that range from in silico protein design to CRISPR-based in vivo directed evolution, with a focus on photosynthesis and the photosystems. We value creativity and independence and offer a nurturing environment that supports and encourages these qualities.
Find out more about the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on our website.
We are looking for candidates to have or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree and a Master’s degree in an area relevant to the project such as biology, microbiology, plant sciences, biochemistry, chemistry, etc.
Knowledge of photosynthesis research methods, or molecular/synthetic biology in cyanobacteria, microbial or plant models, or biochemistry of membrane proteins would be highly advantageous but are not required.
You must meet the IELTS requirements for your course and upload evidence before CSC’s application deadline, ideally by 1st March 2025. You are therefore strongly advised to sit an approved English Language test as soon as possible, where your IELTS test must still be valid when you enrol for the programme.
Please find further details on our English Language requirements page.
Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 29th January 2025 for consideration. Please identify yourself as a ‘CSC Scholar’ in the funding section of the application.
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
Find out more about our application process on our SBBS website.
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Dr Tanai Cardona AT t.cardona@qmul.ac.uk Admissions-related queries can be sent to sbbs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the supervisor. If you are successful in your QMUL application, then you will be issued an QMUL Offer Letter, conditional on securing a CSC scholarship along with academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements.
Once applicants have obtained their QMUL Offer Letter, they should then apply to CSC for the scholarship with the support of the supervisor.
For further information, please go to the QMUL China Scholarship Council webpage.
Apply Online